There was once a married man who lived in disgrace in the sight of God.

Although his wife was a virtuous woman, could not induce him to give it up. So she entreated him that at least he would offer a devotion to the Mother of God: to say a ‘Hail Mary’ every time he passes before Her altar. Thus he began to practise this devotion. One night, when he was about to commit a sin, he saw a light, when looking closer he perceived that it was a lamp burning before a holy image of the Blessed Virgin, who held the Infant Jesus in Her arms. He said a ‘Hail Mary’ as usual; but what did he see? He saw the Infant covered with wounds, and fresh blood flowing from them. Both terrified and moved in his feelings, he remembered that he himself too had wounded his Redeemer by his sins, and began to weep, but he saw that the Child turned away from him. In deep confusion, he recourse to Mary and said: “Mother of Mercy, Your Son rejects me; I cannot find an advocate more kind and more powerful than You who is His Mother; my Queen, help me, and pray to Him on my behalf.” The Divine Mother then answered him from that image: “You sinners call me Mother of Mercy, but you do not stop making me a mother of misery, renewing the passion of my Son and my sorrows.” But because Mary never sends away those who cast themselves at Her feet disconsolate, She began to entreat Her Son that He would forgive that miserable sinner. Jesus continued to show His unwillingness to grant such a pardon, but the Holy Virgin placed the Infant in the niche and prostrated Herself before Him, saying: “My Son, I will not leave Your feet until You have pardoned this sinner.” “My mother,” Jesus answered, “I can deny you nothing; do you wish for his pardon? I will pardon him because of My love for you. Let him come and kiss My wounds.” The sinner wept bitterly as he approached, and when he kissed the wounds of the Infant, they were healed. Then Jesus embraced him as a sign of pardon. From then on, he changed his conduct, led a holy life, and was ever full of love to the Blessed Virgin, who had obtained for him so great a favour.

(Reference: ‘The Glories of Mary’ by St Alphonsus Liguori)